Bone Grafting
Major & Minor Bone Grafting
Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.
Fortunately, today we have the ability to grow bone where it is needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum to protect the bone graft, as well as encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration, or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different areas depending on the size needed. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
Bone Grafting Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the bone grafting process, please click the image below. It will launch our educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about bone grafting.
Cortland Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. SanGiacomo and his aide, Stephanie, showed me the X-ray of the tooth to be extracted, and Dr. SanGiacomo described what to expect during the procedure, which went smoothly. By the time I was ready to leave, the office staff (I'm sorry - I don't remember the individuals' names) had already submitted the bill for the procedure to my insurance company (so that I did not need to do so), and they had already sent antibiotic and pain-relief prescriptions to my pharmacy. Speaking of pain - I experienced hardly any. Before going to sleep, I took an Ibuprofen as a precaution. I slept well. I appreciate the personable and professional work of Dr. SanGiacomo and his staff. Sincerely, John S.
- John S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Difficult extraction but handled with expertise.
- Andrew H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied. Everybody was very courteous and professional. Would return again if needed.
- Russell M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so nervous during the whole procedure Dr SanGiacomo and his other staff member who was in the room with me made me feel comfortable they talked to me thru out the whole process and made me feel safe. The whole team was very friendly. Thank you so much.
- A G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in the office was very friendly and I felt "at home" right away, although I had come into the office feeling very nervous. I am thankful that I had such a good experience.
- Sue C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience.
- Patricia J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Super polite staff - sanGiacomo was brilliant; kept me informed for the entire 50 min surgery; keep tabs on if I was feeling any pain/discomfort; explained what my options were thoroughly, even when things took a turn. Everyone in the practice seems to be knowledgable, courteous, and efficient. Can't better than that.
- Caryln B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The experience has seemed mainly fine, so far (the surgery is for my children, not me). My only concern is that when we arrived for pre-op consultation - and my son apparently had gum in his mouth at time of visit - the doc took the gum out and stuck it on my son's hand, rather than simply asking him to spit his gum out. I tried to find the humor in it, but it was really more unprofessional than humorous. Otherwise, lovely office, and I have confidence in the doctor's expertise as well as the staff's.
- jane c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff and Dr Sangiacomo are great! Took great care of me with me wisdom teeth extractions....highly recommend to anyone in need of oral surgery!
- Jacob H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Dr. and staff were very friendly and professional, even when my tooth gave them a rough time coming out.
- Bruce W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. SanGiacomo and staff were really great and made this procedure much less scary and painful than I expected. Aftercare instructions booklet is actually helpful- clear, thorough, and well-written. So far healing well with no swelling and little to no pain. Thank you!
- Jen D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Every part of the experience was phenomenal! I can't speak highly enough about the doctor and the entire staff. Highly recommended!
- Travis C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am getting a tooth implant. I had a tooth pulled and bone grafting. It didn't take much time and was practically pain free. Everything was explained as we went along. So happy to have found this team.
- Charlene G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very nervous. This was my first surgery (wisdom teeth extractions) I’ve ever had and was going to have anesthesia. Both the staff and Dr. SanGiacomo made my whole experience very comfortable and very relaxed. Everything went well with my surgery and has been going well with the recovery. I highly recommend Cortland Oral Surgery and Dr. SanGiacomo.
- Skylar C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Didn't feel a thing! THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT WORK!
- Tim B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It was good to not have any wait at all. All the staff were pleasant and explained the procedures and after care well.
- Olivia B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very pleased with the doctor and his staff.
- Robert H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and personable people. They fit me into their busy schedule because I was having a problem... which was GREAT to get my problem tooth taken care of so I could start the healing process. THANK YOU very much!!
- Melinda C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleased with the scheduling and onlinepaper work during covid, the Doctor was thorough and made sure I didn't feel any pain or unecessary discomfort. He also let me do a follow up to put me at ease as I still was sore and had slight bleeding after a few days. I would highly recommend for anyone in need of a extraction.
- Tyler c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Tooth extraction never fun, but Dr.was polite, efficient and knew what he was doing unlike past experiences with other “professionals “.would return for sure.
- Leaf c